COUGARS have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the new season.

Prop Wellington Albert, who only joined Keighley in October 2020 after his release from Super League outfit Leeds Rhinos, has suffered a fracture dislocation to his ankle that requires surgical repair.

The incident occurred in training on Saturday, and the freak accident is set to rule out the Papua New Guinea international for the majority of the season.

In a club statement, Cougars said: "Already established as a popular figure with both team-mates and staff, the club will support Wellington and his family throughout this difficult period.

"We wish Wellington a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Keighley are visiting Bulls for a pre-season friendly this Saturday (2pm kick-off), before going up against London Broncos in the Challenge Cup on March 20.